Ampoule syringe



Jan. 14, 1941.

A. E. SMITH AMPOULE SYRINGE Filed Feb. 12, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 [dnn INVENTOIL E, Smirh.

` ATTORN Jan. 14, 1941. A. E. SMITH AMPOULE SYRINGE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Arthur E. Sm'h.

\ TTORNE Patented Jan. 14, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AMPOULE sYmNGn Arthur E. smith, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application February 12, 194|), Serial No. 318,446

9 Claims.

This invention relates to syringes.

The general object of the invention is to provide a novel syringe of the ampoule type which is adapted for making fresh solution prior to injection.

A more specic object of' the invention is to provide a novel syringe barrel closure member.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel plunger construction for an ampoule syringe.

Another object of the invention is rto provide a novel rear member for a syringe wherein a portion of the rear member is normally urged outwardly.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel hand grip for use on an ampoule.

Other objects and the advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a central longitudinal sectional View showing my improved syringe member and ampoule;

Fig. 2 is a reduced fragmentary side elevation of the syringe shown in Fig. 1 showingrthe head member in open position;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section taken on line 3-3, Fig. 1 showing the head member in an extended position and before it is turned;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged section taken on line 4 4, Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section similar to Fig. 1 showing the plunger rod forcing the ampoule topper forwardly;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary section through the upper end of the plunger rod and palm grip;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary central section through an ampoule such as used in connection with the syringe shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 8-8, Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. l showing a modified form of syringe and ampoule.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section, with part shown in full lines and with the needle removed, taken on line III-l0, Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged section taken on line II-II, Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a central longitudinal sectional View showing a further modied form of syringe and ampoule;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary central section through an ampoule such as used in connection with the syringe shown in Fig. 12.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters I have indicated my improved syringe (Cl. 12S-218) generally` at I0. As shown the syringe I0 includes a barrel portion I2 the lower portion of which includes a tip member I3. The tip I3 includes a reduced threaded portion I4 and has a reduced aperture I5 therethrough. y l 5 The syringe I0 further comprises a head member I6 which includes a base portion I'I (see Fig. 2) having depending ears I8 thereon which are recessed as at |9 to receive pivot pins 23 on the barrel I2. The base I'I further includes a 10 short reduced hub portion Y2| (Fig. 1) and an elongated reduced tubular portion 22 having an aperture 23 therein opening into a recess 24 (Fig.

Ll) in the lower end of the base. 'Ihe portion 22 has opposed slots 25 therein which extend to re- 15 cessed portions 25' in the hub and base and open into the recess 24. Y

vThe top of the recess 24 is inclined upward from the side of one recess 25 to the side of another recess to provide cam surfaces as indicated at 26. 2o

Mounted on the base II and surrounding the hub 2| I provide a sleeve member 21 which includes a reduced upper portion 28.

Surrounding the reduced portion 28 Iprovide a finger grip member 29 and surrounding the por- A2 5 tion 28 above the grip member Iprovide a sleeve 3U.

Slidably mounted within the sleeve 2'I I provide a tubular member 3|, the interior diameter of which is greater than the external diameter of 3o the portion 22. The tubular member 3| includes a head portion 32 which extends over the ends of the reduced portion 28 and the sleeve 39 and has a central threaded aperture 33 therein.

Positioned in the portion 22 I provide a shank .35 member 34 the upper portion of which is threaded as at 35 to engage the threads 33 in the head 32.

At the opposite end the shank 34 includes an enlarged head portion 36 which has opposed extending pins 3l thereon which in one position 1i0 engage the cam surfaces 26 as shown in Fig. 1 and in another position are positioned in the slots 25 of the portion 22.

The shank 34 has a coaxial aperture 38 therein which opens into an enlarged recess 39 in the head 45 36. Coaxial with the aperture 38 I provide ay small bar or pin 49 which is secured to the head 36 by a thin web member 4I. H y

Positioned in the shank aperture 38 I provide a plunger rod 42 having at the lower end an en- 50 larged plunger head 43 thereon of a size to fit within the recess 39 of the head 36. The opposite end of the rod 42 has a palm grip member 43 thereon which includes a depending hub portion 44. 55

As shown in Fig. 6 the hub portion 44 has an open bottomed recess 45 therein in which the rod 42 is positioned. Within the recess 45 the rod 42 has a groove 46 therearound and a plurality of opposed upwardly extending recesses 41.

The hub 44 has a pair of opposed pins 48 therein which extend into the recess 45 and are adapted in one position to be positioned in the groove 46 and in another position to be positioned in the recesses 41. The upper end of the rod 42 is spaced from the top of the recess 45 and therebetween I provide a coiled spring 49.

Positioned within the tubular member 3I and surrounding the reduced portion 22 I provide a coiled spring 56 which at the lower end engages the reduced portion 2l of the base I1 and at the upper end engages the head portion 32 and resiliently urges the tubular member 3l and the shank 34 upwardly.

In Fig. 7 Ihave indicated generally at 5I an ampoule such as is adapted to be used in the syringe I0. As shown the ampoule 5I includes an elongated hollow cylindrical glass body portion 52 closed at the lower end by a rubber stopper 53 which includes an enlarged flange portion 54 extending over the lower end of the body 52. Opening through the bottom thereof the stopper 53 has a coaxial recess 55 therein and opening through the top it has: a coaxial recess 56 therein the recesses 55 and 56 being spaced apart.

The upper end of the ampoule body 52 is closed by a rubber stopper 51 positioned therein. Opening through the bottom thereof the stopper 51 has a recess 58 therein which is closed by a trap door 59 integrally connected to the body of the stopper as at 69 (see Fig. 8). Opening through the top thereof the stopper 51 includes a coaxial recess 6I the bottom of which is spaced from the top of the vrecess 58. Positioned in the recess 58 I provide a medicinal tablet 62 and in the ampoule body 52 between the plug 53 and the stopper 51 I provide a liquid vehicle.

To load the syringe I6 an operator rotates the palm grip 43 so that the pins 46 enter the recesses 41 and continues to rotate the member 43 until the pins 31 enter the slots 25 whereupon the spring 59 moves-the tubular member 3I and the shank 34 upward to the position shown in Fig. 3. Thereafter the head member I6 is swung about the pivots 26 to one side as shown in Fig. 2.

An ampoule 5| is then positioned in the syringe barrel I2 and the head member I6 is swung upward to a position coaxial with the barrel as shown in Fig. 3. Thereafter the operator grasps the head portion 32 and moves it downward and then rotates itwhereupon the engagement of the pins 31 with-the cam surfaces 26 move the head 36 into rm engagement with the upper end of the ampoule body 52 as clearly shown in Fig. l.

As the shank 34 is moved downward the pin 40 enters the recess 6I of the ampoule stopper 51 and punctures the partition between the recesses 6I and 58 and engages the medicinal tablet 62 and `passes through it or forces it downward thereby forcing the trap door 58 to swing downward and causing the tablet 62 to pass into the liquid vehicle wherein it dissolves.

Thereafter the operator places a double ended needle 65 on the tip I3 with the hub portion of the needle engaging the threads I4 on the tip. The upper portion of the needle 65 is positioned in lthe tip operture I5 and extends through the partition between the plug recesses 55 and 56.

To inject the liquid in the ampoule the operator moves the palm grip member 43 towards the syringe barrel whereupon the head 43 of the rod 42 engages the stopper 51 and moves it downward as shown in Fig. 5 whereupon the stopper 5I acts as a piston and forces the liquid out through the double ended needle 65.

To unload the syringe the plunger is withdrawn from the ampoule and the palm grip is rotated as previously described. The pins 46 enter the recesses 41 thus turning the plunger to thereby release the member 21.

In Fig. 9 I have indicated a syringe generally at 18 which is similar in most respects to the syringe III and like portions thereof are indicated by similarly primed reference numbers. The plunger rod head 43 includes a reduced extended portion 1I the purpose of which will be more fully explained hereinafter.

In place of the centrally located rod 40 of the syringe I6 the syringe 16 includes an oiset rod 12 which is connected to the plunger rod head 43 by aweb 13.

In Figs. 9 and l0 I have indicated generally at 15 an ampoule such as is adapted to be used in the syringe 19. As shown the ampoule 16 includes an elongated hollow cylindrical glass body portion 16 closed at the lower end by a rubber stopper 11 which includes an enlarged flange 18 extending over the lower end of the body 16.

Opening through the bottom thereof the stopper 11 includes a coaxial recess 19 therein and opening through the top it has a coaxial recess 39 therein, the recesses 19 and 86 being spaced apart. The upper end of the ampoule body 16 is closed by a rubber stopper 8i having an open topped recess 82 therein.

Within the ampoule body 16 and spaced below the stopper 8| a predetermined distance I provide a rubber disk-like partition 82 and positioned between the stopper and the disk I provide a medicinal tablet 84:.

The space within the ampoule body 16 between the disk 83 and the stopper 11 is-` filled with a liquid vehicle.

The loading and unloading of the syringe 16 y is moved towards the ampoule, the rod 12 enters y the stopper recess 82 and passes through the lower portion thereof and contacts the medicinal tablet 84 either puncturing it or pushing it towards the opposite end and in so doing on one side of the center of the disk S3 and swings the disk down- K ward thereby allowing the liquid vehicle to contact and dissolve the medicinal tablet.

In Fig. l2 I have indicated generally at 85 a syringe which includes a barrel portion 86 the lower end of which includes a tip member 81. The tip includes a reduced threaded portion 88 and has a reduced aperture 89 therein. The tip 81 further includes an upwardly extending bar 81 which is positioned to one sideiof the aperture 89.

The syringe further includes a head member 90 which includes a base portion 9| having depending ears 92 thereon which are recessed as Yat 93 to receive pivot pins 94 on the barrel 86.

the head member I provide a'nger gripmema ber 98.

The sleeve 96 has a coaxial recess 99 therein opening through the bottom thereof and a reduced aperture |00 communicating with the recess and opening through the top. The side walls of the sleeve have a pair of opposed elongated apertures |0| thereinv opening into the recess 99 and through the bottom of the sleeve. The lower end of the sleeve 90 is inclined from the side of one recess 99 to the side of the other recess to provide cam surfaces as indicated at |02.

Positioned in the aperture |00 I provide a shank member |03 which includes an enlarged head 04 positioned in the recess 99.

The head |04 has opposed extending pinsv |05 therein which in one position of the head |04 are positioned in the apertures |0| and in another position of the head engage the cam surfaces |02.

The head |04 has a coaxial open bottomed recess |06 therein and the shank |03 has a coaxial aperture |01 therein which opens through the top thereof and communicates with the head recess |06.

Positioned in the aperture |01 I provide a plunger rod |08 the lower endofwhich includes an enlarged head portion |09 which in one position of the plunger rod |08 is positioned in the recess |06. Above the head |09 the plunger rod 08 has a pair of opposed extending pins H0 therein which in one position of the plunger rod are positioned in opposed recesses |2 in the head |04. The end of theplunger rod |08 opposite the head 09 has an enlarged head ||3 thereon.

In Fig. 13 I have indicated my improved ampoule generally at |5, an ampoule such as adapted to be used in syringe 85. As shown the ampoule l5 includes an elongated hollow cylindrical glass body portion ||6 closed at the lower end by a rubber stopper ||1 which includes an enlarged flange portion 8 extending over the lower end of the body H6. Opening through the bottom thereof the stopper ||1 has a coaxial recess ||8 therein.

Within the ampoule body I6 and spaced above the stopper |1 a predetermined distance I provide a rubber disk-like partition |20 and positioned between the stopper and the disk I provide a medicinal tablet 2| The upper end of the ampoule body I6 is closed by a rubber stopper |22 positioned within the body adjacent the upper end of the ampoule. The

space in the ampoule body between the disk |20 and the stopper |22 is lled with a liquid vehicle.

To load the syringe an operator rotates the plunger rod |08 so that the pins ||0 enter the recesses ||2 and continues to rotate the plunger rod until the pins |05 enter the apertures |0| and then pulls the plunger rod Aand shank |03 upward to the position shown in Fig. 12. Thereafter the head member is swung about the pivots 94 to one side.

An ampoule ||5 is then placed in the syringe barrel 86 with the stopper 8 directed towards the tip 81. The ampoule is moved towardsthe tip 81 until it engages the upper face of the tip. As the ampoule is thus moved the bar or pin 81 enters the stopper recess ||9, then punctures the stopper and either engages or punctures the tablet |2| and with the pressure on one side of the disk swings the disk |20 to one side allowing the liquid vehicle to contact and dissolve the medicinal tablet |2|.

After the ampoule is positioned in the syringe barrel the head member 90 is again swung to an aligned position with the barrel 86 and then the shank |03 is moved downward until the pins |05 move out of the apertures |0| and then rotates it whereupon the engagement of the pins |05 with the cam surfaces |02 move the head |04 into rm engagement with the upper end of the ampoule body.

Thereafter the operator places a double ended needle |23 on the tip 81 with the hub portion of the needle engaging the threads 88 on the tip. The upper portion of the needle |23l is positioned in the tip aperture 89 and extends through the stopper ||1 into the ampoule body.

To inject the liquid in the ampoule the operator moves the plunger rod |08 towards the ampoule until the plunger rod head |09 engages the ampoule stopper |22 whereupon continued similar movement of the plunger rod forces the stopper |22 towards the tip 81 and forces the liquid in the ampoule out through the needle |23.

From the foregoing description it will be ap parent that I have provided a novel hypodermic syringe which is simple in construction and highly eiiicient in use.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a hypodermic syringe, a barrel having a front portion and a rear member thereon, a head member slidable on the rear member into and out of the barrel, a plunger slidable through the rear member and through said head member, a pin mounted on saidhead member and independent of the plunger, said plunger being grooved to slidably receive the pin and means normally urging said head member outwardly along the barrel and away from the front xportion.

2. In a hypodermic syringe, a barrel having a front portion and a rear member thereon, said Crear member having a slidable' head member thereon and movable into the barrel, a plunger slidable through the rear member and through said head, a pin mounted on said head andindependent of said plunger, said pin being disposed at one side of the axis of said plunger, said plunger being grooved to slidably receive the pin, and means normally urging said head member outwardly in the barrel and away from the front portion.

3. In a hypodermic syringe, a barrel having a front portion and having a rear member thereon, a head member slidable on the rear member into and out of the barrel, a plunger slidable through the rear member and through said head member, said plunger having a flange thereon, a pin mounted on said head member and independent of the plunger, said pin being disposed at one side of the axis of said plunger, said plunger and said flange being grooved to slidably receive the pin and means normally urging said head member outwardly along the barrel and away from the front portion.

4. In a syringe, a barrel including a front portion adapted to receive a hypodermic needle, a. rear member mounted on said barrel, a head member slidable in said rear member, said head member including a portion adapted to engage the end of an ampoule, rotatable cam means for forcing said head member against the ampoule, a plunger member slidable through said head member, a pin mounted on said head member and movable with the head member, said plunger having a slot therein receiving said pin, and resilient means normally urging said head member away from said ampoule.

5. In a syringe, a barrel including a front portion adapted to receive a hypodermic needle, a

rear member pivotally mounted on said barrel and movable from a closed position where it is across the end of the barrel to ampoule loading position at one side of the barrel, a head member slidable in said rear member, said head member including a portion adapted to engage an ampoule in the barrel, means to force said head member against the ampoule, a plunger member slidable through said head member, a pin mounted on said head member and movable with the head member, said plunger having a slot therein receiving said pin, and resilient means normally urging said head member away from said ampoule.

6. In a syringe, a barrel including a front portion adapted to receive a hypoderrnic needle, a rear member mounted on said barrel and movable from a closed position across the end of the barrel to an ampoule loading position at one side of the barrel, a head member slidable in said rear member, said head member including a portion adapted to engage the end of an ampoule, rotatable cam means for forcing said head member against an ampoule, a plunger member slidable through said head member, a pin mounted on said head member and movable with the head member, said plunger having a slot therein receiving said pin, resilient means normally urging said head member away from said ampoule and a hand grip member on the plunger for rotat ing the plunger and head member.

7. In a syringe, a barrel including a front portion adapted to receive a hypodermic needle, an ampoule in the barrel, said ampoule including a cork having a portion adapted to be pierced by the needle when the latter is placed on the front portion, a rear member mounted on said barrel, a head member slidable in said rear member, said head member including a portion adapted to engage the end of the ampoule, means operable to urge said head member against the ampoule, said ampoule having a cork therein and having a partition forming member associated with the cork to form a drug holding chamber, a plunger member slidable through said head member, a pin mounted on said head member and movable with the head member, to unseat the partition forming member to thereby free the drug from the chamber, and resilient means urging said head member away from said ampoule when the urging means is released.

8.v In a syringe, a barrel including a front portion adapted to receive a hypodermic needle, an ampoule in the barrel, said ampoule including a cork having a portion adapted to be pierced by the needle when the latter is placed on the front portion, a rear member pivotally mounted on said barrel and movable from a closed position where it is across the end of the barrel to an open ampoule loading position at one side of the barrel, a head member slidable in said rear member, said head member including a portion, adapted to engage the end of the ampoule, coacting cam means on said end member and said head member for urging said head member against the ampoule, said ampoule having a cork therein and having a partition forming member associated with the cork to form a drug holding chamber, a plunger member slidable through said head member, a pin mounted on said head member and movable with the head member to unseat the partition forming member to thereby free the drug from the chamber, said plunger having a slot therein receiving said pin, and resilient means urging said head member away from said ampoule when the cam means is released.

9. In a hypodermic syringe including a plunger rod, a grip member on said plunger rod, said member including'a hub portion having a recess therein, said plunger rod being positioned in said recess, said plunger rod having a groove therearound Within said recess and having a plurality of slots opening into said groove, pins in said hub extending into said groove, and being adapted when the grip is rotated to enter said slots, and a spring in said recess between the bottom of said recess and the adjacent end of said plunger rod.

ARTHUR E. SMITH. 

